Online Tutoring Online Tutoring MCQ 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'spaced repetition' as used in online tutoring?
- Spreading sessions evenly throughout the week
- Reviewing material at increasing intervals to strengthen long-term retention (Correct answer)
- Taking a break between each topic in a single session
- Scheduling more sessions close to an exam
Correct answer: Reviewing material at increasing intervals to strengthen long-term retention
Spaced repetition leverages the spacing effect, where information reviewed at growing intervals is retained more durably.
Question 2: A student says 'I understand' but cannot correctly complete a practice problem. The tutor should:
- Accept the student's self-assessment and proceed
- Trust that the student will figure it out at home
- Probe further with a slightly different problem to verify true understanding (Correct answer)
- Move on since the student confirmed comprehension
Correct answer: Probe further with a slightly different problem to verify true understanding
Checking understanding through a new application reveals whether comprehension is genuine or superficial.
Question 3: What is a 'learning management system' (LMS) used for in online tutoring?
- Managing the tutor's billing and invoices
- Organizing course materials, assignments, and progress tracking in one platform (Correct answer)
- Controlling the student's computer remotely
- Scheduling video conferencing sessions automatically
Correct answer: Organizing course materials, assignments, and progress tracking in one platform
An LMS centralizes content delivery, assignments, and student progress data for structured learning environments.
Question 4: A student becomes visibly upset during a session after making repeated errors. The best tutor response is to:
- Push through the material to maximize session time
- Acknowledge the student's frustration, normalize mistakes, then offer encouragement (Correct answer)
- Switch to an entirely different subject immediately
- End the session to let the student calm down alone
Correct answer: Acknowledge the student's frustration, normalize mistakes, then offer encouragement
Acknowledging emotions and reframing mistakes as part of learning reduces anxiety and rebuilds confidence.
Question 5: Which cancellation policy practice is considered most professional for independent online tutors?
- No policy — students can cancel any time without notice
- A written policy requiring notice (e.g., 24 hours) communicated before the first session (Correct answer)
- A no-refund, no-cancellation rule enforced strictly
- Handling cancellations informally on a case-by-case basis only
Correct answer: A written policy requiring notice (e.g., 24 hours) communicated before the first session
A clear, upfront written cancellation policy sets expectations and protects both the tutor's time and the student's trust.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'growth mindset' approach in tutoring sessions?
- To remind students of fixed IQ limits
- To encourage students to see effort and persistence as paths to improvement (Correct answer)
- To focus only on what students already do well
- To set lower expectations for struggling students
Correct answer: To encourage students to see effort and persistence as paths to improvement
A growth mindset, based on Carol Dweck's research, teaches students that ability can be developed through effort and strategy.
Question 7: Which of the following is MOST important when setting session goals with a student?
- Goals should be set entirely by the tutor based on curriculum
- Goals should be vague to allow flexibility during the session
- Goals should be specific, measurable, and agreed upon by both tutor and student (Correct answer)
- Goals should focus only on long-term outcomes, not single sessions
Correct answer: Goals should be specific, measurable, and agreed upon by both tutor and student
Specific, measurable goals that both parties agree on create accountability and clear direction for each session.
Which of the following best describes 'spaced repetition' as used in online tutoring?